Headshot Do’s and Don’ts Every Solopreneur Should Know

Your headshot is often the first handshake people get from you, and unfortunately a lot of folks are out here greeting potential clients with a blurry selfie in front of a brick wall.

During a Small Biz Coffee Hour session, headshot photographer and three-time Gratitude Geek guest Deb Davis broke down exactly what makes a great headshot—and why most of us are doing it wrong.

Here’s the short version you actually need.

Do: Make Yourself the Hero of the Image

Deb was blunt about this one. If your background is stealing the spotlight, you’ve already lost. Your face should be the first thing people notice. That means simple backgrounds, clean lines, and no distractions.

Don’t: Let the Background Upstage You

Brick walls, bold patterns, and busy environments pull attention away from you. In fact, Deb pointed out that when she looked at one of the group’s headshots, she saw the brick wall before she saw the person. If your background shouts louder than your expression, it’s time to retire it.

Do: Use Environmental Backgrounds the Right Way

Outdoor or environmental headshots can work beautifully—as long as they are blurred and subtle. A soft, intentionally blurred background gives personality without hijacking the viewer’s attention. The moment your surroundings compete with your face, you’re in trouble.

Don’t: Let Lines or Objects Intersect Your Head

This was a spicy moment in the session. A participant had a line slicing right through the center of her head. According to Deb, that’s a technical no-go. Watch for poles, pipes, bricks, or beams that seem to grow out of your skull. It’s more common than you think.

Do: Keep It Professional

Logos like “As Seen On NBC” plastered behind you might feel impressive, but they clutter the frame and distract from the real asset: you. Save that for your media page, not your headshot.

A professional headshot isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity. It’s about instantly communicating who you are, what you stand for, and why someone should trust you enough to take the next step. Deb teaches this better than anyone, and your next headshot could easily benefit from her wisdom.

If your current photo makes people notice the scenery before the human, it’s time for an update.

Stay Groovy!